Any tips or advice?

Of course, with all things, the answers to all these matters will depend on the circumstances.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.

Another tip: use Rentometer and RentCast to double-check your rental rates; they’re great for comparing rents in your area and making sure you're priced right.

Any tips or pointing me in the right direction will be greatly appreciated.

And of course what are you looking to get out of it?

Does anyone have a recommendation for online calculators to map out the breakdown of monthly interest payouts easy?

The graphic is just one I found online.

Of course, let's keep in touch! 

If you can target one in a higher end area, you could find really nice slabs (probably have to cut them of course) that don't look bad.

I've come across several products online that are basically a block with double-stick tape, but I like the tread idea on the block you have.